West Virginia

West Virginia Unemployment Services Offer Easy Access

Losing a job is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and the dreary economic predictions we hear on the nightly news can make any of us feel anxious about our future financial security.

Fortunately, West Virginia makes it easy for jobless residents to get answers to all of their questions about unemployment benefits and job opportunities. The state offers trouble-free access to the department of unemployment through its internet website or at local offices throughout the Mountain State.

Work Force West Virginia, a division of the state’s commerce department, oversees a network of offices providing employment assistance to residents. Its broad-based services include the state agency for unemployment benefits, a jobs database and a system of career centers.

Here are some resources where you can research available services:

The main office of Work Force West Virginia is located in Charleston. If you have questions about unemployment benefits or employment services, you can contact the office by phone at 304-558-7024. Answers to questions about jobless benefits also are available by writing to the unemployment agency email address at: ucproceduresunit@wv.gov.

The West Virginia Department of Commerce website is a clearinghouse for information about benefits and opportunities for job-seekers, as well as labor market statistics, veterans counseling and job services and resources for potential employers. You can access the site at: www.wvcommerce.org. You can also go directly to the Work Force West Virginia internet site at: www.workforcewv.org.

West Virginia has permanent local unemployment office locations in 18 towns around the state. First-time claims for unemployment benefits must be made in person at a local site. You can access each office of unemployment phone number, mailing address, street address, FAX number and business hours at this link: www.wvcommerce.org/business/workforcewv/unemployment_compensation/locations.

After filing your initial unemployment benefits claim, you are required to file a claim every two weeks while you are unemployed in order to continue receiving payments. These claims can be made in person, but they also can be made online or by phone. To file online, go to the claims link at: www.wvuc.org. The toll-free phone number for the unemployment agency where claims can be filed is 1-800-379-1032.

Facing unemployment is never easy, but West Virginia has made its resources readily available to those who need them. With a phone call, an email or the click of a button on your computer, you can find answers to all of your questions.